Pregnancy

​Army Directive 2016-09, Maternity Leave Policy, 1 March 2016(CAC required) This Army Directive implements Memorandum, Secretary of Defense, February 5, 2016, subject: Directive-type Memorandum (DTM) 16-002, "DoD-Wide Changes to Maternity Leave". Effective 2 February 2016, commanders will authorize up to 12 continuous weeks of non-chargeable maternity leave for eligible Regular Army Soldiers and reserve component Soldiers serving on call or order to active service for a continuous period of at least 12 months. Troop Program Unit (TPU) Soldiers are not eligible for maternity leave, but are excused from any battle assembly (weekend drill) and annual training occurring within the 84 calendar day period immediately following a birth event.

Authorization for Pregnant Soldiers to Mix Operational Camouflage Pattern (OCP) Items with the Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP) Maternity Army Combat Uniform, 6 Sep 17. Army G-1 Uniform Policy for Pregnant Soldiers(CAC required) Pregnant Soldiers are authorized to wear the following items in the Operational Camouflage Pattern with the Universal Camouflage Pattern Maternity Army Combat Uniform and Patrol Cap: Nametape, U.S. Army Nametape, Rank Insignia, current Shoulder Sleeve Insignia, Shoulder Sleeve Insignia for Former Wartime Service. Pregnant Soldiers may also wear the Coyote Brown T-shirt and Coyote Brown Boots with the Universal Camouflage Pattern Maternity ACU. This change only applies to the Maternity Army Combat Uniform.

Ubicare

Do you know about
Ubicare? Ubicare delivers important information regarding what to expect while pregnant and continues to give valuable information up to the age of three for the child via social media. Ubicare also provides a platform for researchers and healthcare providers to deliver important health information to our expecting and new parents via social media. If you are not already signed up for Ubicare, ask your nurse at your next obstetric appointment how you can sign up.

Centering Pregnancy

A great way to learn more about your pregnancy, meet new friends, and build support systems for your pregnancy experiences is through
Centering Pregnancy. Centering Pregnancy is a model of group prenatal care that includes three major components: health assessment, education, and support. Eight to twelve women with similar gestational ages meet together for discussion focused on pregnancy, birth, nutrition, breastfeeding, child care, safety, and new mothering issues. Currently, Centering Pregnancy is available at 10 volume-eligible medical treatment facilities within the Army: San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC), William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC), Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC), Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC), Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC), Blanchfield Army Community Hospital (BACH), Winn Army Community Hospital (WACH), Irwin Army Community Hospital (IACH), Evans Army Community Hospital (EACH), Madigan Army Medical Center (MAMC), Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital (BJACH), Weed Army Community Hospital (WACH).

ACUs for Pregnant, Nursing, and Female Soldiers Trying to Get Pregnant

How do Soldiers trying to become pregnant, pregnant, or postpartum and nursing request a temporary medical profile and purchase an ACU without permethrin?

Soldiers must meet with their health care provider to obtain a temporary eProfile (DA Form 3349, physical profile) authorizing the wear of an ACU without permethrin.

Proof of this medical profile allows the Soldier to special order a non-treated uniform through the Army Military Clothing Sales stores, at own cost, prior to or after the wear of a non-treated maternity uniform.

The profile is issued/monitored as any other temporary profile. The pregnancy (9 months) and postpartum (6 weeks after delivery) profiles reflect the optional wear of the ACU without permethrin with a maximum duration of 90 days (subject to renewal), with no functional or Army Physical Fitness Test restrictions.

The profile can be continued for 12 months; any extension requires approval by the Medical treatment Facility Commander in cooperation with the Soldier's Commander.

ALL maternity ACUs are non-permethrin treated. The maternity ACU is an organizational clothing item obtained through central issue facilities.

Breast Feeding & Nutrition

The experience of breastfeeding is special for so many reasons – the joyful bonding with your baby, the cost savings, and the health benefits for both mother and baby. Read on for tips and suggestions to help you successfully breastfeed.

Breastfeeding In Combat Boots (non-government) Many women decide to take on the challenge of combining motherhood and the military, and that includes breastfeeding. Breastfeeding your baby while serving in the armed forces can be one of the most fulfilling, yet demanding times in your life.

Immunizations and Pregnancy

Oral Health

Women have a lot of health considerations to think about during pregnancy and it's easy to overlook dental health during this busy time. Brushing and flossing contributes to your overall health and if your mouth is healthy, it's more likely that your baby's mouth will be healthy. The following links provide helpful information on oral health to ensure that you maintain optimal health.

Pregnancy/Postpartum Physical Training Program (P3T)

Exercise during pregnancy and the postpartum period can reduce the physical discomforts associated with pregnancy and can promote a faster return to pre-pregnancy fitness levels. The P3T program is designed for pregnant and postpartum soldiers and is a proven resource for maintaining fitness during and after pregnancy.

Pregnancy A to Z

VA/DoD Pregnancy Guideline Purple BookPregnancy and Childbirth: A Goal Oriented Guide to Prenatal Care is based on the VA/DoD Management of Pregnancy Clinical Practice Guideline, and includes evidence-based recommendations for prenatal care for all pregnant women receiving care in the DoD and VA healthcare systems. A PDF is available for download. NEW!

This
Air Force Medicine web site provides information about what you can expect throughout your pregnancy and after the birth of your child. 3-D animations help you understand the changes going on inside your body, and how your baby is growing. There is a special section for new dads. Real parents offer advice and insight.

Postpartum Care

Pregnancy changes your body in more ways than you might have guessed, and it doesn't stop when the baby is born. Taking good care of yourself and your baby is an essential part of postpartum care.

Smoking and Pregnancy

Thyroid Disease

Workplace Health

Workplace exposures related to reproduction and pregnancy are of particular concern to women. Find summaries with links to research of some hazards faced by women in the workplace and links to industry-specific research from CDC. Includes provisional recommended weight limits for lifting at work during pregnancy.

Zika Virus

Until more is known and out of an abundance of caution, pregnant women should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctors first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare providers before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. More information is available on the
APHC Zika Virus web page. (APHC)

This Web site provides an introduction to the Army Public Health Center, a U.S. Army Medical Department organization. It is intended for interested members of the public, news media, and Army Medical Department professionals and beneficiaries.